Why Study/Key Benefits

The Master of Mathematical Sciences (MMathSci) at the University of Canterbury (UC) is a flexible Level 9 master's designed for students who want advanced expertise in mathematics, statistics, data science, computational mathematics or financial engineering.

Key benefits include:

• Flexible choice between an unendorsed degree and five specialist endorsements.
• Strong combination of advanced coursework and independent research.
• Development of analytical, problem-solving, critical-thinking and communication skills.
• Opportunity to work on a research or industry-related project.
• Suitable preparation for doctoral study when the research component is completed to the required standard.
• Exposure to contemporary mathematical problems, technologies and research developments.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The MMathSci can be completed without an endorsement or with one of five endorsements:

• Mathematics
• Statistics
• Computational and Applied Mathematics
• Data Science
• Financial Engineering

Unendorsed pathway

The current programme provides two project options:

• MASC684 – MMathSci Project – 45 points
• MASC686 – MMathSci Project – 60 points

Students combine the project with approved 400-level coursework in areas such as:

• Mathematics
• Statistics
• Data Science
• Other relevant subjects, subject to approval.

Mathematics endorsement

The Mathematics pathway includes:

• MATH697 – MMathSci Thesis (Mathematics) – 90 points
• 60 points of 400-level Mathematics
• 30 additional points from 400-level Mathematics, Statistics or Data Science, subject to the stated exclusions and approvals.

Statistics endorsement

The Statistics pathway includes:

• STAT689 – MMathSci Thesis (Statistics) – 90 points
• 60 points from 400-level Statistics or approved Data Science courses
• 30 additional points from Mathematics, Statistics or Data Science.

Computational and Applied Mathematics endorsement

This pathway includes:

• CAMS689 – MMathSci Thesis (CAMS) – 90 points
• 90 points of approved 400-level Mathematics, Statistics and Data Science courses

Data Science endorsement

The current structure includes:

• DATA689 – MMathSci Thesis (Data Science) – 90 points
• 15 points of 400-level Mathematics or Statistics
• 15 points of 400-level Computer Science
• 15 points from DATA410–490
• 45 points of other approved 400-level courses in a relevant subject.

Financial Engineering endorsement

The current structure includes:

• FENG689 – MMathSci Thesis (Financial Engineering) – 90 points
• At least 30 points of 600-level FINC courses
• At least 45 points from Mathematics, Statistics, Data Science or Financial Engineering
• COSC480 if the student does not already have programming experience, or another approved 15-point course.

Disciplines/Specialisations

The programme has five formal endorsements:

1. Mathematics
2. Statistics
3. Computational and Applied Mathematics
4. Data Science
5. Financial Engineering

Programme Highlights

Important features include:

• 180-point Level 9 master's
• February or July start
• 18 months full-time
• Up to 3 years part-time
• Five formal endorsements
• Flexible unendorsed option
• Thesis and project options
• Independent research experience
• Academic supervision
• Strong mathematics and statistics foundation
• Data Science pathway
• Financial Engineering pathway
• Computational and Applied Mathematics pathway
• Potential preparation for doctoral study
• Campus-based learning at UC Christchurch.

Career Outcomes

UC describes mathematics and statistics as highly versatile disciplines with applications across industry, commerce, government and teaching.

Depending on the chosen endorsement, potential career areas include:

• Mathematician
• Statistician
• Data scientist
• Data analyst
• Quantitative analyst
• Financial analyst
• Financial engineer
• Actuarial/quantitative finance roles
• Operations research
• Risk analysis
• Statistical consulting
• Research and development
• Government statistics and policy
• Scientific computing
• Modelling and simulation
• Business analytics
• Academic research

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

The current MMathSci regulations came into force on 1 January 2026.

Important current requirements include:

• Admission requires relevant prior study.
• At least 60 points of relevant 300-level study must have a B grade average.
• Relevant 400-level prerequisites must also be satisfied.
• Admission is subject to approval by the Executive Dean of Engineering or delegate.
• Thesis courses require approval by the relevant Head of Department or Head of School.
• Data Science and Financial Engineering thesis pathways have specific approval requirements.
• Progression into an endorsement requires 60 completed points, including at least 30 points in the relevant subject, with a GPA of 5.0 or higher, unless another approved route applies.
• Students failing more than 30 points can be withdrawn from the qualification.
• The normal maximum completion period is 36 months unless an exemption is approved. 

International Student Visa Requirements

For an international student physically studying the MMathSci in Christchurch, the normal visa is the New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa.

Current Immigration New Zealand requirements include:

• Offer of place from an approved education provider
• Sufficient funds to pay tuition fees or an acceptable scholarship
• Sufficient living funds or an acceptable sponsor
• Acceptable medical/travel insurance
• Meeting health and character requirements
• Genuine intention to study
• Evidence of onward travel or sufficient funds to purchase onward travel.